THE $58 million upgrade of the Lyell McEwin Hospital emergency department kicked off this week after a short delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initial works will include the temporary reconfiguration of the Oldham Road car park area, with construction of an ambulance entry and alterations to the public drop off and car park to ensure access to the existing emergency department.

Other upgrades will include an eight-bed short-stay mental health unit and the extension of the new three-floor emergency department.

The new $7 million hospital carpark is also expected to open earlier than planned.

Health minister Stephen Wade said the upgrade would ease pressure on the department’s staff and resources.

“The Lyell McEwin ED has been under intense pressure for many years and this investment will ensure it continues to provide first class health service for the people of northern Adelaide,” he said.

“The $58 million investment will also deliver critical jobs as South Australia deals with the severe economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.”

Construction is set to take place in stages to allow for the department’s current service levels to be maintained during the works.

“This is particularly important given that we need to be ready for a second wave of positive COVID-19 cases in South Australia or other increase in demand for health services,” Mr Wade said.

“The early works begin as the $7 million extension of the multi-storey car park will now open earlier than expected.

“The early opening of the first two floors of the car park extension will ensure there is no short-term reduction of car parks for visitors and our staff.

“We are committed to ensuring the northern community has access to quality health care services in a modern hospital setting, and the new additional car parks will also support the increase in future services.”

Northern Adelaide Local Health Network chief executive officer Maree Geraghty was pleased to see the project starting after COVID-19 dominated the hospital’s resources.

“Following consultation, we have adjusted the design and staged approach of the expansion to ensure we are on track for building works to commence to the new three-storey ED and the purpose-built Mental Health Short Stay Unit in the second half of the year,” she said.

“It is great news for our staff and patients that the first two floors of the new car park are able to be opened and be made available sooner than the originally anticipated overall completion set for July 2020.

“As we start to see construction at the front of the hospital, I want to take this opportunity to thank our staff and consumers for their patience during the upcoming construction period.”